Canada Geese - Audubon International
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Canada Geese
Skeins of Canada geese flying in V formation are harbingers of spring
and fall. Yet these large and intelligent birds are a frequent cause of
complaint for managers of parks, lake associations, corporate parks, golf
courses, and even backyards. A better understanding of Canada geese
will help you understand why this species has become such a problem
and what you can do about it.
Natural History
There are 11 subspecies of geese and most migrate and nest
exclusively in northern Canada. The bird that is most commonly a
problem is the “giant Canada goose”. Known for its large size and long
neck, it can weigh 14 to 20 pounds and is the largest of all Canada By learning more about the habitat and life
goose races. This species was once hunted so extensively that it almost habits of Canada geese you can better
became extinct in the 1920’s. Wildlife management, including hunting understand the problems they can cause and
restrictions and captive breeding and re-stocking programs, and determine appropriate solutions.
agricultural practices are largely responsible for today’s healthy
populations.
Food
Geese are grazing birds that eat a varied diet. They eat the roots, shoots, stems, seeds, and leaves of grass
and sedges, grain, bulbs, and berries. They also eat insects and aquatic invertebrates. Geese often spend
the winter in agricultural areas where they feed on post-harvested grain and foliage. Geese generally feed in
early morning and late afternoon.
Cover
Geese prefer open water with open shorelines where they are safe from disturbance. An expansive view
affords them a degree of safety from predators, and long sight lines for take off and landing.
Breeding Habits
Geese nest in a variety of habitats, generally on the ground near water. They will also nest on islands, rocky
cliffs, even large tree cavities or artificial nest structures such as old tires. The female builds the nest of
grasses and moss, lined with feathers. On average five to six eggs are laid and incubated for 25 to 28 days.
Geese usually mate for the first time in their second or third year, and pairs remain together as long as both
are alive and healthy. They often return to the same spot year after year if they are successful in raising
young. Geese raise an average of four to seven goslings each year.
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Family Habits
Adult geese pair for life. Young geese stay with adults their entire first year. They migrate south with their
parents and return north with them to their nest site in spring. Young form yearling flocks that often remain
together until they have matured and are ready to mate.
Predators
Because of their size, intelligence, and wariness, geese are less subject to predation than most other
waterfowl. Hawks and owls prey on immature and some adult geese. Snapping turtles, snakes, and land-
based predators take goslings that stray from parental protection.
Migration
Geese migrate along predictable routes known as flyways. Year after year, they travel, rest, feed, and nest in
fairly predictable locations, called staging areas, along these routes. In fall, family groups from different areas
assemble into large flocks, preparing for migration.
In recent years, wildlife biologists have identified a change in Canada goose migration patterns. Many geese
are no longer migrating great distances, but are forming “resident” populations that remain within a limited
geographic area. Of concern are the dwindling numbers of Canada geese that breed in the arctic and sub-
arctic and winter throughout the United States. Why these changes are taking place is not well understood
and more research needs to be done. Loss of habitat, agricultural practices, and altered natural environments
may all be linked to changing population dynamics.
Controlling Canada Geese
Canada geese are perceived by some property owners to be a nuisance. Their feces can leave a substantial
mess that must be cleaned regularly and they are not easily deterred from going
about their business. Many people encourage geese when they first arrive, only to Relocation or killing
find that after several years of nesting success, they can no longer tolerate the large (culling) of geese has
flock that has made the place home. been shown in many
areas to be ineffective
Without realizing it, many properties provide ideal goose habitat. Open water, an in alleviating prob-
extensive food supply, and lots of open space are precisely what geese are looking lems with geese.
for. They come back or
others take their
There are no easy solutions to geese problems. If you are experiencing difficulties, place.
follow these guidelines to assess your situation and determine the best solution.
1. Evaluate the problem.
Try to define the problem specifically. Is the problem only in certain areas? Is goose feeding or feces causing
damage? Survey your property to determine how you might actually be encouraging geese. Very short grass,
an expansive view around a pond, and people who are feeding geese are likely attractants. When does the
problem occur? If geese seem to be a problem only in fall or spring they are using the area for rest stop
during migration. If geese are wintering on your property, you are likely providing habitat for a migratory
population.
2. Reduce your frustration.
It is important to recognize that it is extremely difficult to control nature. If your goal is to remove every goose
from your land, you will likely end up frustrated, angry and unsatisfied. However, there are things you can do
to try to lessen the impact of geese and discourage them from overrunning the land. Be realistic in your
attempts to control geese. You will have much greater success if you try to strike a balance between Canada
geese and the needs of visitors, employees, and maintenance personnel.
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3. Choose the most effective control measure for your situation.
Control measures fall roughly into three categories: altered habitat, scare tactics, and intervention. Some
combination of these may prove most successful. Remember that the easiest time to deal with geese is
before they start nesting. Be ready in early spring when geese begin to breed. Even if they are well
established on the property, preventing them from nesting will break their successful breeding record, and
discourage them from returning or staying.
Altered Habitat
Mechanical Barriers: String monofilament line or wire
around the edge of your ponds where geese are most
prevalent. The wire should be approximately six inches
above the water line. Several places have found that two
rows of string, one at the water’s edge and one about two
to three feet in the water, are most effective. Fencing can
also be used.
Vegetative Barriers: Instead of mowing right to the
water’s edge, plant aquatic vegetation around lake and
pond margins. This helps to disrupt the expansive view,
acts as a physical barrier, and provides excellent habitat
for other more desirable wading birds and wildlife. If Tall vegetation around ponds can help make
normally mowed grass is allowed to grow higher it can Canada geese uncomfortable.
further dissuade geese.
Unpalatable vegetation: If possible, plant grass that geese don’t like to eat such as fescues.
Kentucky Blue Grass should be avoided as it is a goose favorite. A non-toxic chemical, called methyl-
anthranilate (REJEX-IT), can be applied to lawns, fields, or other areas to deter geese from feeding.
The chemical is a flavoring found in grapes that is sweet to humans and abhorred by geese.
Prohibit Feeding: Feeding can harm geese, as well as other wildlife. The concentration of waterfowl
created by feeding allows for the spread of diseases, such as avian cholera and avian botulism. The
food that people throw into water and the increased amount of geese feces also adds to nutrient
loading, which impacts water quality and harms aquatic life. Use signs or other means of education to
inform people not to feed geese.
Scare Tactics
Visual Scare Tactics: Streamers, balloons, flags, scarecrows, and even dead goose decoys can be
used to frighten geese away. Mylar bird scare tape can be tied to stakes near ponds, but is of limited
value for geese control. Remember, geese are big birds that don’t scare easily. Visual tactics should
be used on a varied schedule and alternated to prevent geese from becoming used to them.
Noise Makers: Shell-crackers, sirens, pistol launchers, banging on pots and pans, and other noise
can be used to scare geese away. If this is combined or alternated with other methods just as geese
are coming, it can be effective.
Dogs: Many areas have successfully used dogs to chase or stalk the birds. Because of their gentle,
but energetic nature, border collies and English setters make good choices.
To download this fact sheet and more, visit: www.auduboninternational.orgIntervention
When other control methods have failed, local authorities should be contacted to help you deal with Canada
geese. Your local state wildlife department (could be named Fish & Wildlife, Environmental Conservation,
Natural Resources, or another similar name) or Department of Agriculture can help you determine the best
method of intervention. This may include permits to disrupt nests or eggs, physical relocation (trap and
transfer), or hunting. Never destroy Canada geese or disturb their nests without a permit. Canada geese are
protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Not only may you pay large fines for killing geese, the resulting
negative publicity can be devastating.
Education
If geese are a problem, you must not only deal with the
geese, you must also effectively deal with patrons of your
property. Communicate what you know about Canada
geese natural history and goose control. Use a newsletter
or bulletin board to let people know what strategies you
have employed or plan to implement to minimize nuisance
or damage. By regularly updating people about your
efforts, you can help to lessen complaints.
Finally, recognize that you are not alone. Many people are
struggling with the same problem. Encourage organizations
to which you belong to open a dialogue with the U.S.
Department of Fish & Wildlife or Ministry of Natural
Resources (Canada). Wildlife biologists are conducting on-
going research about Canada geese. They are interested Educational signs can help you enlist others in your attempts to
in learning more about why migratory populations are reduce Canada geese problems.
declining while resident populations are on the rise.
Communicating your concerns and observations can result in positive progress toward striking a balance
between humans and geese.
CANADA GEESE ON THE WEB
GeesePeace
http://geesepeace.com
All About Birds, administered by The
Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canada_Goose
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